Coaching FAQs
what is the difference between a book coach and an editor?
Think of it this way: all book coaches are editors, but not all editors are coaches.
An editor typically provides a specific service on a single draft—a developmental edit, a line edit, a manuscript evaluation. They give you their expert feedback, and then the relationship ends. There's real value in this kind of focused attention, and editors do important work.
But a book coach offers something more.
Coaching encompasses editing, yes—but it goes beyond the manuscript itself. A coach is invested in developing you as a writer, not just polishing your current project. They're there for the long haul, offering ongoing editorial support, accountability, and guidance as you navigate your entire writing journey.
Where an editor's superpower is focus, a coach's superpower is twofold: they combine an editor's sharp eye for what's working (and what isn't) with a project manager's big-picture vision. They help you see not just what needs to change in this draft, but where you want to go next—and how to actually get there.
Your relationship with a coach doesn't end when you receive your editorial feedback. That's often just the beginning. Your coach helps you plan your revision, works through the stuck points with you, celebrates your progress, and guides you toward your goals—whether that's finishing your first draft, polishing your manuscript for publication, or building the skills and confidence to tackle your next project.
If you want more than feedback—if you want a partner in your writing journey—coaching might be exactly what you need.
An editor typically provides a specific service on a single draft—a developmental edit, a line edit, a manuscript evaluation. They give you their expert feedback, and then the relationship ends. There's real value in this kind of focused attention, and editors do important work.
But a book coach offers something more.
Coaching encompasses editing, yes—but it goes beyond the manuscript itself. A coach is invested in developing you as a writer, not just polishing your current project. They're there for the long haul, offering ongoing editorial support, accountability, and guidance as you navigate your entire writing journey.
Where an editor's superpower is focus, a coach's superpower is twofold: they combine an editor's sharp eye for what's working (and what isn't) with a project manager's big-picture vision. They help you see not just what needs to change in this draft, but where you want to go next—and how to actually get there.
Your relationship with a coach doesn't end when you receive your editorial feedback. That's often just the beginning. Your coach helps you plan your revision, works through the stuck points with you, celebrates your progress, and guides you toward your goals—whether that's finishing your first draft, polishing your manuscript for publication, or building the skills and confidence to tackle your next project.
If you want more than feedback—if you want a partner in your writing journey—coaching might be exactly what you need.
what can a book/writing Coach Do—And WHat Can't They Do?
A good book coach supports you through every phase of your writing journey: developing your foundation, drafting, revising, and navigating the path to publication. They're part creative writing teacher, part critique partner, part editor, part project manager, part sounding board, and part cheerleader—all rolled into one.
Working with a coach can take you from "I have this idea..." to a completed, polished manuscript ready for the world. A coach helps you define what success looks like for your writing and your goals, then creates a plan to help you get there. Whether you're stuck on page ten or polishing your final draft, the right coach meets you where you are and helps you move forward.
That said, it's important to understand what a coach can't do.
A coach can't write your story for you. They can't make creative decisions that don't feel right to you—your voice and vision always remain yours. And here's a big one: no ethical coach can promise publication, sales, or commercial success. Anyone who guarantees your book will sell or get picked up by an agent isn't being honest with you.
What a coach can promise is this: guidance grounded in craft, honest feedback, accountability, and genuine support as you work to become a better writer and bring your story to life. The rest—the publishing journey, the reception your work receives—depends on many factors outside anyone's control.
Choose a coach who specializes in the kind of writing you do and the support you need. Choose someone who respects your vision and tells you the truth. That's where real growth happens.
Working with a coach can take you from "I have this idea..." to a completed, polished manuscript ready for the world. A coach helps you define what success looks like for your writing and your goals, then creates a plan to help you get there. Whether you're stuck on page ten or polishing your final draft, the right coach meets you where you are and helps you move forward.
That said, it's important to understand what a coach can't do.
A coach can't write your story for you. They can't make creative decisions that don't feel right to you—your voice and vision always remain yours. And here's a big one: no ethical coach can promise publication, sales, or commercial success. Anyone who guarantees your book will sell or get picked up by an agent isn't being honest with you.
What a coach can promise is this: guidance grounded in craft, honest feedback, accountability, and genuine support as you work to become a better writer and bring your story to life. The rest—the publishing journey, the reception your work receives—depends on many factors outside anyone's control.
Choose a coach who specializes in the kind of writing you do and the support you need. Choose someone who respects your vision and tells you the truth. That's where real growth happens.
Ready to get started?
Step 1: Book Your Free Meet and Greet: Your first step is simple—schedule a free thirty-minute video call with Alissa. This is your chance to talk about your book, your goals, and what you're hoping coaching can help you accomplish. There's no sales pitch, no pressure—just a genuine conversation about you, your story, and your writing journey.
Step 2: Get Your Personalized Recommendations: After your call, Alissa will send you a follow-up with her recommendations for coaching programs or services tailored to your specific project and goals. This is when we'll talk about scheduling, investment, and any discounts or special offers that might apply. You'll have everything you need to make an informed decision.
Step 3: Decide What Feels Right: Take your time to think it over. If you're ready to move forward, just let Alissa know which program or service works best for you. She'll prepare a Coaching Contract with all the important details in one place.
Step 4: Let's Begin!: Once you've signed your contract and your first invoice is paid, you'll receive your "Welcome to Coaching" packet—and we're off! You'll also get invites to your shared Coaching Calendar and Google Drive folder (if your program includes them), so everything you need is organized and easy to access.
From there? It's all about your story and helping you bring it to life.
Step 2: Get Your Personalized Recommendations: After your call, Alissa will send you a follow-up with her recommendations for coaching programs or services tailored to your specific project and goals. This is when we'll talk about scheduling, investment, and any discounts or special offers that might apply. You'll have everything you need to make an informed decision.
Step 3: Decide What Feels Right: Take your time to think it over. If you're ready to move forward, just let Alissa know which program or service works best for you. She'll prepare a Coaching Contract with all the important details in one place.
Step 4: Let's Begin!: Once you've signed your contract and your first invoice is paid, you'll receive your "Welcome to Coaching" packet—and we're off! You'll also get invites to your shared Coaching Calendar and Google Drive folder (if your program includes them), so everything you need is organized and easy to access.
From there? It's all about your story and helping you bring it to life.
how does coaching with alissa work?
Coaching looks a little different depending on which program or service you choose, but here's the basic rhythm.
Coaching is structured around deadlines—typically two-week cycles that give you time to write, receive feedback, and plan your next steps. Each deadline has three parts:
The goal is simple: consistent progress, thoughtful feedback, and a clear path forward—every step of the way.
Coaching is structured around deadlines—typically two-week cycles that give you time to write, receive feedback, and plan your next steps. Each deadline has three parts:
- Your submission – This might be manuscript pages, writing exercises, an outline, or a combination of materials, depending on where you are in your process.
- Alissa's feedback – Once you submit your work, Alissa will confirm she's received it and let you know when to expect it back with her detailed annotations and notes. This usually takes about a week, though timing can vary based on the scope of your submission.
- Your coaching call – After you've had time to review Alissa's feedback, you'll schedule a call to discuss everything together. This is where you'll talk through what's working, what needs attention, and what comes next. It's also where you'll plan your approach for the next deadline.
The goal is simple: consistent progress, thoughtful feedback, and a clear path forward—every step of the way.
What do you need to get started?
Coaching with Alissa is designed to be simple and accessible. Here's what you'll need:
The essentials:
The essentials:
- A word processing program that supports Track Changes—like Microsoft Word or Google Docs—so you can easily see and work with Alissa's feedback
- A device with a camera—a laptop, tablet, or smartphone—for video coaching calls
- An email address you check regularly for communication, scheduling, and sharing materials
- A reliable internet connection for calls and document sharing
- Access to a printer, if you like reading and marking up pages by hand
- A library card or access to a bookstore for any craft books or articles Alissa might recommend
- Notebooks, notepaper, and pens you actually enjoy using—because writing should feel good
- A quiet space where you can focus during coaching calls and your writing time
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how do we meet and exchange submissions?
Everything happens digitally, so coaching can fit into your life no matter where you are.
Submissions: You'll send your work to Alissa via email—so make sure to share an email address you check regularly. For writers in 1:1 coaching or long-term programs, Alissa also sets up a shared Google Drive folder and Coaching Calendar to keep everything organized and easy to find. No more digging through old emails to track down that feedback from three weeks ago.
Coaching calls: Alissa uses Google Meet for all video calls—whether it's your biweekly coaching session, a class, or a quick check-in. Before each call, you'll receive an email invite with the video link. Just click and join. (And no, you don't need a Google or Gmail account to use it.)
If you've never used Google Meet before, don't worry. Let Alissa know and she'll walk you through it so you feel completely comfortable before your first call.
Simple, straightforward, and designed to keep the focus where it belongs—on you and your writing.
Submissions: You'll send your work to Alissa via email—so make sure to share an email address you check regularly. For writers in 1:1 coaching or long-term programs, Alissa also sets up a shared Google Drive folder and Coaching Calendar to keep everything organized and easy to find. No more digging through old emails to track down that feedback from three weeks ago.
Coaching calls: Alissa uses Google Meet for all video calls—whether it's your biweekly coaching session, a class, or a quick check-in. Before each call, you'll receive an email invite with the video link. Just click and join. (And no, you don't need a Google or Gmail account to use it.)
If you've never used Google Meet before, don't worry. Let Alissa know and she'll walk you through it so you feel completely comfortable before your first call.
Simple, straightforward, and designed to keep the focus where it belongs—on you and your writing.
i love being coached! how do I continue working with alissa?
That's wonderful to hear—and Alissa would love to keep working with you, too!
As you approach the end of your current program or service, Alissa will reach out to talk about what comes next. Based on your progress, your goals, and what's available on the schedule, she'll share your options for continuing coaching. Maybe you're ready to dive into revision, tackle a new section of your manuscript, or get support through the publishing process—whatever feels right for where you are in your journey.
The choice is always yours, but know this: if you want to keep going, there's a place for you. Continuing coaching is one of the best ways to maintain the momentum you've built and keep moving your story forward.
Let's keep going—your work is worth it.
As you approach the end of your current program or service, Alissa will reach out to talk about what comes next. Based on your progress, your goals, and what's available on the schedule, she'll share your options for continuing coaching. Maybe you're ready to dive into revision, tackle a new section of your manuscript, or get support through the publishing process—whatever feels right for where you are in your journey.
The choice is always yours, but know this: if you want to keep going, there's a place for you. Continuing coaching is one of the best ways to maintain the momentum you've built and keep moving your story forward.
Let's keep going—your work is worth it.
what happens if coaching isn't working out?
First things first: if something isn't feeling right, just tell Alissa. Seriously—that's what she's there for.
Maybe an assignment isn't clicking. Maybe you disagree with a suggestion about your manuscript. Maybe the approach you planned at the start doesn't match where your project has gone. That's all normal, and it's all fixable.
Alissa is deeply committed to protecting the integrity of your voice and your vision. Coaching isn't rigid or one-size-fits-all. It's a collaboration, and if something needs to shift so you can get the most out of your experience, Alissa will work with you to adjust course. Just speak up—she'll listen.
Every coaching program has a defined timeline, which you'll find outlined in your Coaching Contract. This serves two purposes: it gives you a clear finish line to work toward, and it creates natural pause points where you can both evaluate whether coaching is still the right fit. If at any point you decide it's not, Alissa can recommend another coach who might be a better match, or provide resources to help you continue your writing journey on your own.
Need to take a pause mid-program? Don't panic. Life happens. Your Coaching Contract includes deferment and cancellation policies tailored to your specific program, and there's built-in flexibility for exactly these kinds of situations.
The bottom line: your success and your comfort matter. If something's not working, let's talk about it and figure it out together.
Maybe an assignment isn't clicking. Maybe you disagree with a suggestion about your manuscript. Maybe the approach you planned at the start doesn't match where your project has gone. That's all normal, and it's all fixable.
Alissa is deeply committed to protecting the integrity of your voice and your vision. Coaching isn't rigid or one-size-fits-all. It's a collaboration, and if something needs to shift so you can get the most out of your experience, Alissa will work with you to adjust course. Just speak up—she'll listen.
Every coaching program has a defined timeline, which you'll find outlined in your Coaching Contract. This serves two purposes: it gives you a clear finish line to work toward, and it creates natural pause points where you can both evaluate whether coaching is still the right fit. If at any point you decide it's not, Alissa can recommend another coach who might be a better match, or provide resources to help you continue your writing journey on your own.
Need to take a pause mid-program? Don't panic. Life happens. Your Coaching Contract includes deferment and cancellation policies tailored to your specific program, and there's built-in flexibility for exactly these kinds of situations.
The bottom line: your success and your comfort matter. If something's not working, let's talk about it and figure it out together.
are there any discounts available?
Yes! Alissa offers several ways to make coaching more accessible.
Project Continuation Discount (10% off)
If you've already completed a coaching program or service with Alissa and want to continue working on the same project, you'll receive 10% off all future coaching for that manuscript. This discount recognizes the momentum you've already built and rewards your commitment to seeing your story through.
This discount may also apply to Writer's Workshop students who choose to add coaching, at Alissa's discretion.
Please note: This discount applies only to the same project. If you're starting a new manuscript, standard rates apply.
Course Fee Discount for Active Coaching Clients (10% off)
If you're currently enrolled in a coaching program and want to take one of Alissa's group courses, you'll receive 10% off your course registration. This is a great way to deepen your craft while you're actively working on your manuscript.
This discount is only available to writers actively in coaching—not those who've completed a program in the past—and applies to group courses only, not individual services.
Other Promotions
Alissa occasionally runs special offers or seasonal discounts. When you book your Meet and Greet or inquire about services, just ask what promotions might be available—she'll make sure you know about anything that applies.
Important: Discounts cannot be stacked. If more than one discount applies, you'll automatically receive whichever one saves you the most.
Project Continuation Discount (10% off)
If you've already completed a coaching program or service with Alissa and want to continue working on the same project, you'll receive 10% off all future coaching for that manuscript. This discount recognizes the momentum you've already built and rewards your commitment to seeing your story through.
This discount may also apply to Writer's Workshop students who choose to add coaching, at Alissa's discretion.
Please note: This discount applies only to the same project. If you're starting a new manuscript, standard rates apply.
Course Fee Discount for Active Coaching Clients (10% off)
If you're currently enrolled in a coaching program and want to take one of Alissa's group courses, you'll receive 10% off your course registration. This is a great way to deepen your craft while you're actively working on your manuscript.
This discount is only available to writers actively in coaching—not those who've completed a program in the past—and applies to group courses only, not individual services.
Other Promotions
Alissa occasionally runs special offers or seasonal discounts. When you book your Meet and Greet or inquire about services, just ask what promotions might be available—she'll make sure you know about anything that applies.
Important: Discounts cannot be stacked. If more than one discount applies, you'll automatically receive whichever one saves you the most.
how do payments work?
Alissa keeps the payment process simple and flexible.
When you sign your Coaching Contract, you'll choose your preferred payment method. Alissa accepts several options, so you can use what works best for you.
Payment plans are always available. If you'd rather spread the investment over time, you can pay in equal monthly installments throughout your program. The specifics are tailored to the length and structure of your coaching service, and everything will be spelled out clearly in your contract.
Once your contract is signed, you'll receive your first invoice. Payment is due upon receipt, and once it's processed, you're all set to begin!
For group courses and individual learning experiences: Payment works a little differently. Course fees are due in full before the class starts—no payment plans for these shorter programs.
Have questions about payment or need to discuss your options? Just ask. Alissa wants to make sure coaching is accessible and stress-free from the very start.
When you sign your Coaching Contract, you'll choose your preferred payment method. Alissa accepts several options, so you can use what works best for you.
Payment plans are always available. If you'd rather spread the investment over time, you can pay in equal monthly installments throughout your program. The specifics are tailored to the length and structure of your coaching service, and everything will be spelled out clearly in your contract.
Once your contract is signed, you'll receive your first invoice. Payment is due upon receipt, and once it's processed, you're all set to begin!
For group courses and individual learning experiences: Payment works a little differently. Course fees are due in full before the class starts—no payment plans for these shorter programs.
Have questions about payment or need to discuss your options? Just ask. Alissa wants to make sure coaching is accessible and stress-free from the very start.